After forty years of living a conventional life, the path I had planned for myself did not fulfill me in the way I had expected.

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My days were consumed with work running my business, providing for my children, and moving on from two divorces. Even after starting a new chapter with my wife, Amanda, I was hungry for a deeper purpose.

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My journey started – even if I didn’t know it at the time – when I had my first experience of spiritual practice. It was through meditation, where I learned about selfless service and self-inquiry. I learned the exalting, painful, and heart-warming feeling of transformation that could happen within myself. And equally as important, the benefit and messiness of gathering with others in community.

A few years later, during my training as a Plant Spirit Medicine healer, I discovered my passion and capacity for helping others. I continued on this path and was inspired to apply as an apprentice of Don Eliot Cowan under the guidance of a Huichol Mara’akame, Don Lupe Gonzales. With the guidance of my elders, I began a yearly pilgrimage to the sacred Huichol sites for the next six years. I completed my training to become a Mara’akame and made my lifetime commitment as a traditional healer to serve community.

Today, I live in Santa Monica, California, where I practice as a Mara’akame offering sessions and counseling to my clients. As a firekeeper with the Sacred Fire Organization, I host monthly fires and other spiritual gatherings. Through the guidance of Grandfather Fire (Tatewari) and all my teachers, I continue to learn to be a conduit of the healing energy of the Gods.